Orbtronic SX30 30A 2100mAh Flat-Top 18650 Bench Test Results...just a 20A cell

[Mooch]

Tested at 10A-30A constant current. Cells were graciously donated for testing by someone who prefers to remain anonymous. To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18650, 26650, etc.

Dropbox - orbtronic sx30 flat-top 30a 2100mah 18650 wrap.jpeg

Dropbox - orbtronic sx30 flat-top 30a 2100mah 18650 can.jpeg

Dropbox - orbtronic sx30 flat-top 30a 2100mah 18650 top.jpeg

Dropbox - orbtronic sx30 flat-top 30a 2100mah 18650 bottom.jpeg


Bottom Line
This is a 20A continuous discharge current (CDR) cell that is damaged when discharged at Orbtronic's rating of 30A.


Test Results
Dropbox - orbtronic sx30 flat-top 30a 2100mah 18650 constant-current tests.bmp


Comments

• This is the flat-top version of the button-top SX30 I tested earlier.
• At 20A the cell had a moderate maximum temperature of 77°C.
• At 30A the cell reached a max temperature of 100°C, my safety limit. This is way over the temperature any cell should ever be operated at. This is clearly not a 30A cell.
• After just five additional cycles at 30A there was visible "voltage sag" in the discharge curve and a loss in capacity indicating that damage was being done. A second 10A discharge also shows the loss of capacity and voltage sag that resulted from that damage.
• This flat-top version of the SX30 cell had slightly higher voltages and slightly longer runtimes than the button-top version, but not by much. I was pleasantly surprised though as I thought the extra resistance from the added-on button-top (through the four spot-welded points) would result in a larger voltage drop. It didn't, the two versions are close enough in performance to not worry. It's only a so-so 20A cell though.
• Even at 25A, in my opinion, there will be a short cycle life for this cell. The maximum temperature of 89°C is quite high for a cell.
• Due to the moderate max temperature I think you will get decent cycle life from this cell at 20A.

 

[Ryedan]

I had a look at your charts Mooch and it definitely looks like it's simply not a VTC4.

Another myth shattered

 

[Mooch]

I had a look at your charts Mooch and it definitely looks like it's simply not a VTC4.

Another myth shattered

Thanks for bringing that up!
I had forgotten that was the prevailing guess at what they're rewrapping.

 

[Cullin Kin]

I had a look at your charts Mooch and it definitely looks like it's simply not a VTC4.

Another myth shattered

I sent him some of the xtar VTC4 button tops and they performed terribly! Looking to see some Flat Top tests to compare.

@Mooch Once again some very valuable contributions made to this forum. Thank you for your service!

 

[Mooch]

I had a look at your charts Mooch and it definitely looks like it's simply not a VTC4.

Another myth shattered

Absolutely....compare the tops...

VTC4



SX30

 

[Ryedan]

Yup, it's obvious they're not the same cell Mooch. Going to stick to buying manufacture branded batts. It's been working for me so far and I don't see any reason to change my MO

 

[sonicbomb]

Re-wrap this....